Dubai: The Dubai Canal project that has begun to take shape near Al Safa Park will transform the 3km stretch from Business Bay to Jumeirah Beach into one of the most sought after locations in Dubai.
With waterfront promenades, four world-class hotels, including a crescent- shaped building and 450 restaurants, the area will transform into a hospitality hub.
With the construction of the Dh2 billion Dubai Canal, the creek will be extended by 3km and turn Bur Dubai into a sort of island.
Currently spanning 23.8km, the Dubai Creek originates at Al Shindagha in Bur Dubai and passes through Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary before ending at Business Bay.
“It is going to change the nature of the area completely. The neighbourhood will turn into a prime property and a sought after leisure and tourist hub,” said Nabil Mohammad Saleh, Director of Roads at Roads and Transport Authority.
Al Safa Park, which serves as the epicentre of the project, will house a 50,000 square metre shopping mall, six kilometres of beaches and a sprawling 80,000 square metre waterfront walkway and leisure area.
The project will also have separate tracks for jogging and cycling as well as recreational facilities for children.
Apart from three motor bridges, four pedestrian bridges run across the canal, with one of them housing a walking souq.
Ranging from 80 metres to 120 metres, depending on the location, the canal will house various shopping, leisure, residential and commercial centres on both sides.
There will be a number of marine transport stations as well as jetties at various locations along both sides of the Creek, enhancing water transport services in the city.
Set for completion by September 2016, the development is expected to further boost tourism in Dubai with an estimated footfall of 22 million visitors.
